Dear Editor,

I READ with great humour the report published in Kaieteur News of 23rd September 2016 quoting the Maritime Administration as saying that there are alternate routes for boats traversing the Piremap Falls.Amazing! I acknowledge there are. One way is to unload all cargo and lug them from below the falls to the top, and then haul your boat manually over the iron rails that are installed for that purpose to the top of the falls, reload your boat and be on your way, adding eight hours to your travel time. Otherwise, you wait for the rains and high water.

I would love to see the experts at MARAD take a boat and do a trip, do a video and let the Guyanese public see these alternate routes.

The report goes on to say that Crown Mining Supplies have “assiduously commenced efforts” to remove this obstruction. The fact is that Crown Mining Supplies have a camp some distance downstream, and their workers are enjoying TV shows and relaxing.

I reiterate: For the month of September, absolutely nothing has been done to improve the situation. Neither the Crown Mining Company nor the relevant authorities have been fully truthful or forthcoming on this issue.

This situation cannot continue much longer, as a lot of miners, boaters, fuel suppliers, farmers, fishermen, and school children are greatly affected by this ugly situation. I am also willing to pay for a boat to take your reporters to the location to get a firsthand look at what are really the facts, just email me. Let us make it a trip in which we can also take the experts from MARAD to show us their routes.

Regards,
RALPH PERSAUD